The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey

Nearly everyone I've spoken to about this film says "Oh yes, very good, but not as good as Lord of the Rings." What a lot of nonsense. This is a different sort of film: remember that the original book was written for children. I my opinion it's every bit as good as LOTR, subject to one complaint. The casting is good; the pace is good; the special effects are overwhelming and Gollum, for such a skinny little creature, exudes such an air of menace that I for one wouldn't like to meet him on a dark night.
The only thing that didn't work for me was the attempt made at the start to stich together the future (ie Frodo et al) with the past (ie with Bilbo writing his memoirs, so that the whole film is one giant flashback). I'd have just started with the party and to hell with any baggage brought along by LOTR. But I don't suppose PJ would have listened to me... it's too late now anyway.
Go watch it. It's a great film. I'm a little surprised there's enough for three films to be made out of the story... but I'm not complaining so far.